PASS program invitation extended to Robins families Published Oct. 5, 2011 By Jenny Gordon 78th Air Base Wing Public Affairs ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- For Robins families who would like to become even more involved in their children's educational needs, there are many support agencies ready to help. One group parents may find interesting to connect with is the new Parent Advocates for Students and Schools, or PASS, program. The first meeting was Sept. 20 at Horizons. It was attended by parents and about 20 representatives from base support agencies and Houston County schools. Lesley Darley, Robins school liaison officer, has partnered with Leslie Butikofer, wife of Col. Mitchel Butikofer, installation commander, to implement the program here. Mrs. Butikofer brought many ideas for the PASS program from her family's previous assignment at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. "I'm very excited about implementing PASS at Robins," said Darley. "I believe the group will create the perfect balance of forging positive relationships with local schools systems, as well as advocating for the educational needs of military children." PASS seeks to assist families in making the best education choices for their children by providing information on local schools - whether public, private, virtual or home-school options. The group will be partnering with local schools, and connecting parents on base with one another for support and resource information. That can include sharing special needs resources, sharing experiences about transferring between school systems across the country, or even mentoring opportunities with one another. Regarding volunteer needs, the group hopes to connect even more military families with local schools, even tapping into retired military members who would like to give back. Everyone is welcome to attend meetings and learn more about PASS. Scheduled meetings will be conducted throughout the year, with the next to be conducted Oct. 19 at 11 a.m., at Horizons. Free monthly parent education workshops will also be scheduled, and topic suggestions are welcome. Ideas have included preparing your child for kindergarten, Title 1 funding, understanding Georgia's graduation standards, and special education issues. The first of these workshops will be Oct. 13, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the Heritage Club. The day's topic will be "How to build an effective relationship with your child's teacher." A representative from Houston County schools will also give an overview on the current Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax extension and its plan if it is passed in November.